Lost Book Policy

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Lost Book Policy

I. Overdue Materialslost books image.jpg

  • The student has the responsibility to return materials to the media center in a timely manner and in good condition.
  • Failure to fulfill these conditions will result in a reminder notice sent home stating the title of the overdue material and the author’s name.

II. Lost Materials

  • If a material has not been returned within two weeks of receipt of an overdue notification, the material is considered lost. The librarian will change the status of the missing material in the circulation system. (See sample letter.)
  • The librarian will send another notice home including the replacement cost of the lost material.
NOTICE TO PARENTS.docx

III. Damaged Materials

  • Books or materials that are returned damaged will be evaluated by the librarian.
  • If the material can be mended, the librarian will do so.
  • Damage that is the result of normal wear and tear will be repaired or replaced with no consequence to the student.
  • If the material was damaged as a consequence of fire, theft or vandalism that was no fault of the student, then the fines will be waived.
  • If the damage is not the result of normal wear and tear and is so significant that the librarian cannot repair the item, the student will be charged the replacement cost of the item.

IV. Fees and Consequences

  • A student may be fined for damaged or lost materials. Fines will not be instituted until the item is deemed damaged or lost.
  • The librarian can assess fees according to the following guidelines:
  • Overdue materials: no fines.
  • Minor damage (i.e. slight markings, minimal water damage, labels peeling off) may result in a fee of $1 to $5.
  • Major damage (i.e. significant water damage, cover torn off, pages ripped out of the book) may result in a fee of $6 to $12.
  • A lost material may result in a fee for the full replacement cost of the item.
  • The principal, in consultation with the librarian, may deem it appropriate to withhold report cards or deny participation in extracurricular activities should the student fail to pay the fees.
  • It is at the discretion of the librarian to decide whether a student should be allowed to check out additional materials while an overdue or lost material is outstanding. The librarian will exhaust all possible means for communicating the overdue status to the student and parents before limiting library check-out.
  • The librarian has the authority to override a replacement charge or damage fees when the librarian determines it is in the best interest of the student to do so.

Screenshots taken from TLC Circulation System





Sources:
Created by Kate Flynn, based on input from Frederick, Montgomery, Dorchester and Charles counties in Maryland. The “damaged book notice” and screenshots are from the secure side of the FCPS Media page.
The fines noted in section IV are from the librarian at General Smallwood Middle School in Charles County.
Clipart from Google images and http://www.wondrouspics.com.